1847–1868

Nelson

Alternate Names

Nelson was the son of Hannah and was an African American slave. He traveled with Robert M. Smith to Utah according to "John Brown's company of 10, report". Nelson was listed as "Nat" in the report.

It is interesting to note that the 1850 Census listed Nelson's "color" as "yellow". While the 1860 Census listed his "color" as "M" for mulatto. The 1850 Census was actually taken in 1851.

There is some inconsistency concerning the correct first name (Nelson or Nathaniel) as both seemed to be used interchangeably in primary and secondary sources. However, at this time it is believed that Nelson and Nathaniel are the same person. Nelson's exact birth year is unknown as records imply a birth year ranging between 1843 and 1847. "John Brown's company of 10, report," listed Nelson's (Nat) age as 3.

While still in slavery, Nelson and his family were taken to California (by Robert M. Smith) where they eventually gained their freedom. In the 1860 census, Nelson was listed under the surname "Sunily.